Paula D. Kohler, Ph.D. is ssociate vice president of research and a professor in the Special Education Program at Western Michigan University (WMU) and previously a senior
research associate with the Transition Research Institute at the University
of Illinois. Dr. Kohler also directs the Career Connections Research Center (CCRC). She is recognized for her research regarding effective transition
practices for youth with disabilities, including effective transition
programs, transition-related competencies, career and technical experiences,
work-based education, and other aspects of transition-focused education.
Her Taxonomy for Transition Programming is recognized around the United
States as an effective model for planning, implementing, and evaluating
transition-focused education for students with disabilities, and has
influenced the implementation of transition services in a number of states including New Mexico, New York, and California.

Dr. Kohler has extensive experience in curriculum and professional development
activities focused on linking this research with practice at the state, regional, and local levels. In addition,
she has worked extensively with model demonstration projects and local agencies
implementing self-determination curricula and has conducted numerous focus groups
of students with disabilities regarding their educational experiences and transition
planning.

Dr. Kohler has a background in business administration, educational
leadership, vocational education, and special education. In April
2001, Dr. Kohler received
the Oliver P. Kolstoe award from the Council for Exceptional Children’s
Division on Career Development and Transition in recognition for her contributions
through research and scholarship. She also received the WMU College of Education's (COE) research recognition award in 2005.

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